2. WWW. FIRSTTALKCOLLEGE. WORDPRESS. COM
Hi! My name is Jenna. I am currently a junior at Georgetown University in Washington
D.C. studying American Studies. This semester I am abroad in Dublin, Ireland where I am
using some of my free-time to promote a cause I care about: college access.
In high school I never-ever expected to get into a College like Georgetown. Coming
from a small town in Maine as a first generation college student, it just was not
something that seemed in the realm of possibilities. Also, I had no idea where to even
begin. Thanks to some wonderful mentors that took the time to sit down with me and
explain the process, reviewed my essays, and simply encouraged me to apply to
competitive colleges: the people that told me I could get in, I'm here today! I am
living a life that three years ago I would have never imagined. I have traveled to three
continents, had internship experiences from the U.S. Senate to my College dining hall,
and have become a much happier, healthier, and active person. The world has become a
cooler place to live in now that I have had the opportunity to learn so much about it.
Granted I am VERY lucky and it has not always been easy. There have been low points,
hurdles, and moments of doubt, but I have luckily had all of the support I've needed to
overcome them.
I am writing and distributing this packet in hopes that I can make it a little easier for
someone else to access the wonderful world that is college as I have. I am **not
an expert**, but I've been there. If anything this is a resource that can connect you to
the experts, empower you, and make the process a little less daunting.
To follow up on this resource, I have also created a blog platform where I intend to
continue to upload helpful materials, answer questions, and spread the word about
college access. Please don't be afraid to reach out- I want to help!
A Bit
About Me
For Context
2
3. TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Ready, Set, Go!
P4) College? Why?!
P5) Terms I Wish I'd Known Sooner
P7) Exploring Your Options
P8) Things to Consider
P9) Applying
P11) The Essay
P12) Financial Aid
P14) Contact Me
3
4. COLLEGE?!
WHY
The Department of
Education says. . .
H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S C O R E C A R D . E D . G O V /
H T T P : / / W W W . H U F F I N G T O N P O S T . C O M / J A M I E - M E R I S O T I S / W A N T - T O - B E -
H A P P I E R - A N D - H E _ B _ 8 2 8 8 3 5 4 . H T M L
H T T P S : / / C E W . G E O R G E T O W N . E D U / W P - C O N T E N T / U P L O A D S / P A R C H M E N T -
C R E D E N T I A L S - C O M P E T E N C I E S - I S S U E - B R I E F . P D F
On average college graduates earn over $1 MILLION
more over their lifetimes than high school graduates.
Georgetown' s Center for Education and
the Work Force says. . .
The only strategy more expensive than going to
college is not going to college.
I say. . .
Go to college because it is the best investment you can
make in yourself and your future. Not only will a
degree help you get a job, it will help you live a life you
enjoy. It will open your mind to a million ideas and
opportunities you'd never considered before and it will
give you the freedom to explore them further.
The Huffington Post says. . .
Going to College will make you Happier and Healthier.
4
5. The interview!
"First generation"
Tips
terms I wish I'd known sooner
No one in my family has ever gone to college. Coming from small town
Maine, this never occurred to me as being unusual. When my
Georgetown interviewer seemed surprised to hear that my Dad was a
carpenter and my Mom an administrative assistant I was confused.
While some schools have larger populations of firstgens than others,
at schools like Georgetown it can be a big deal. I receive amazing
financial aid and endless other forms of support from social,
professional, to emergency finance help, as a first generation student.
Beginning the application process I had NO IDEA that interviews were
a thing at the end they were my favorite part of all. Not only were my
interviews (I had 5) a good way for me to add an inperson component
to my application, but they were a fantastic way for me to get to know
the schools I was applying to. The interviewers were most often
alumni who were just as excited about the prospect of me attending
their almamater as I was. It even helped me decide which schools to
cross off my list come decision time. Bear in mind not all schools offer
or require interviews, but if they do do not pass up the opportunity!
5
Financial Aid
You could potentially attend a competitive private school for less money
than your local school or community college! Elite schools are often those
that can afford to be "100% needs met". Granted this requires being
accepted, but if you are in a financial situation that qualify your for aid you
could go to a competitive school for less than it would cost you to go to
community college.
Do not be afraid to apply to a school because of a pricetag. You will
not know how much the school is going to cost until you get in.
6. Work experience can help you
"Holistic"
Terms I wish I'd known sooner
Often there is an impression that colleges are only looking forone "type" of
person. This is not true! Colleges actually prefer to have a diverse group
of students. Despite, the preconceived notion that your resume must be
full, your grades must be perfect, and your test scores must be high,
colleges would rather get to know you and your flaws "holistically" than
see a pictureperfect version.
Worried your list of extracurricular activities is too short because your part
time job took up most of your time after school? Or maybe you were
responsible of taking care of younger siblings, a parent, looking after a
neighbor? These experiences can compliment your application! Do not be
afraid to share or explain them the essay and the interview are both great
times to do this. That horrible summer you spent mowing lawns to afford
some of your own economic freedom could say a lot about who you are.
6
Early Decision
Often schools will waive application fees if you qualify it's absolutely worth
looking into if you think you might! And some schools will even fly you out for a
visit if you are a good candidate don't be afriad to ask about these
opportunities either,
If you have a dream school that you know you want to go to, sometimes you
can apply early! Certain schools have a process called "early decision" which
means if they accept you you must decide to go. This an often help your
chances at getting in because it shows the school you're serious about going
there. Some schools also have nonbinding Early Action where you can find
out if you got in early without necessarily having to go there. Most Early
decision/action deadlines are Nov. 1st.
Other lesser known perks:
7. EXPLORING
YOUR
OPTIONS
H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S C O R E C A R D . E D
. G O V /
H T T P S : / / C O L L E G E S . N I C H E . C O M /
H T T P S : / / B I G F U T U R E . C O L L E G E B O A
R D . O R G / C O L L E G E - S E A R C H
There are some AMAZING resources out
there to find and compare colleges that are
right for you. Each site has its own options
to customize your search by location, cost,
difficulty, etc. along with student reviews.
Check them out:
The college scorecard is *especially* helpful in evaluating schools.
Here are some tips from a FORMER ADMISSIONS OFFICER at
Georgetown of things to look for: Universities whose net costs are lower
than the national average but whose average incomes are higher and a
good 6-year graduation rate are important factors to consider!
7
8. T h i n g s t o
C o n s i d e r d u r i n g
y o u r s e a r c h :
0 8
4) Location: Where do I want to be? Is the distance from
home doable?
3) Financing: Is this a school that gives out needsbased
or meritbased aid? Which are you more qualified for?
*See page 12.
5) Will I get in?: Is this school a reach, middle, or safety? Try
to narrow down a few of each.
6) Environment: Ranging from climate to size, is this a
place where I would be comfortable?
8) Support Systems: What resources does the school
provide for physical and mental health, academic help, and
career planning.
2) Academics: Does this school have the program I am
looking for? Is the organization of this program appealing
to me?
7) Opportunities: Does this school have opportunities to
travel, see guest speakers, take internships, play sports, etc.
1) After College: Will a degree from this school help me
achieve my goals?
www. firsttalkcollege.wordpress.com 8
9. APPLYING
List Schools
Make a Timeline
Make a Check
List
01
02
03
04
05
Apply!
Once you've narrowed down
the schools you'd like to
apply to list them in order of
preference.
What does each school
require for its application?
Look at your schools
deadlines and map them
out.
See PAGE ? for more on this
one..
Check off the list and
submit. (Before doing so
check to see if you qualify
for fee waivers)
Write Your Essay
STEP
STEP
STEP
STEP
STEP
9
You should start this process as early!
11. WHO ARE YOU
WHAT MAKES
YOU UNIQUE
BE CREATIVE
w w w . f i r s t t a l k c o l l e g e . w o r d p r e s s . c o m
THE
ESSAY
While "the essay" can often seem like the most daunting
part of the college application process, it can also be your
biggest ally. Colleges want to get to know you: what makes
you different? How do you identify and where do your
identities place you in the greater world around you? Now is
the time to get creative, to connect the dots between the
other boxes you've check in the process, interests you've
listed, your resume, classes, etc. The essay is how for an
admission's officer gets to know you. Take a breath and
check out these tips AND examples before you get started:
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/10/23/9essay
writingtipstowowcollegeadmissionsofficers/
https://apply.jhu.edu/apply/essaysthatworked/2020/
https://www.apstudynotes.org/essays/
11
12. MERIT BASED VS. NEED BASED
F I N A N C I A L A I D
M E R I T - B A S E D
Merit-based financial aid is
funding usually offered in
the form of scholarships or
grants and is given to
students as a reward for
exceptional merit.
Who gives it?: Merit-Based is
given out by many schools
from public to private. Merit-
based is what the University
of Maine gives to its
applicants who graduated at
the top of their class, have
great grades, and or did well
on standardized tests. Merit-
based aid is also given by
many private colleges that
don't necessarily have the
funds to be "needs met" but
seek to obtain great
students.
Who gets it?: Students that
stand out of a merit-based
school's applicants.
N E E D - B A S E D
Needs-based financial aid is
funding that is offered in the
form of scholarships, grants, or
loans based on a student's
ability to afford college.
Who gives it?: Needs-based
financial aid is given by almost
all schools (some in the form of
scholarship and some in the
form of loans), but if a school
has committed to be "needs-
met" they will give more.
Financial need is indicated by
the FASFA (submission of taxes
done in January) and CSS Profile
(another form of reporting
income required by some
schools).
Who gets it?: Anyone accepted
into a school with financial need
will receive financial aid in the
amount of need they state to
meet.
12
REMEMBER you won't know how much a school is going to cost you
until you get accepted. Apply now, consider finances later.
13. O T H E R F O R M S O F
F I N A N C I A L A I D
In the big picture most of the scholarships you receive will
come from those larger scholarships that your school awards
you upon admittance: meritbased or needsbased depending
on the school. That said, these sources are not the only
available for helping to ensure that your degree is affordable.
Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is basically free money issued by the
government to help students with financial need pay for college. The
amount you recieve will be based on the cost of your attendance, whether
you are a part or fulltime student, and your financial need.
Work Study: If you are a student with financial need you may qualify for
work study. Different schools allocate work study differently, but at my
school (for example) my work study has separate from my financial aid I
can get a job on campus, as a tutor in the city, among other opportunities,
and the money I am paid goes to me not my school to help me pay for
daily expenses.
Local Scholarships: While local scholarships likely won't be the difference
between you being able to afford a specific school or not they certainly help!
These scholarships are often relatively easy to apply for and they usually
come from busieness in your community that get to claim their donation on
their taxes and help you at the same time!
13
This Spring I will add more detailed information on financial aid and
scholarships on my blog!
14. Contact Me:
w w w . f i r s t t a l k c o l l e g e . w o r d p r e s s . c o m
jc2436@georgetown.edu
If you have any
questions, need help, or a
review!
